Terry at Berkshire & Oxfordshire massage employs a combination of massage techniques in the treatment of patient's including; holistic massage, sports massage and remedial massage. However, there is no additional charge for using these more advanced massage techniques and skills.

All treatments take a holistic approach and take into account that everybody is unique and should thus be treated as such.

Terry will aim to arrive 5 minutes prior to the appointment time, in order to get set up. First time appointments typically take 60 minutes and include a confidential 15 - 20 minute consultation and assessment.

The consultation looks at four main areas which can affect health and well being and incorporates the following aspects:-

• Medical
• Emotional
• Physical
• Lifestyle

During the consultation process Terry will be interested in the reasons for you seeking treatment and what you are looking to achieve from the treatment. Once all of this information has been gathered he can establish whether or not massage treatment is suitable and appropriate for you. If massage is suitable and appropriate then the Terry will produce a treatment plan, which is specific and unique to the your needs. There are some occasion when massage can prove to be inappropriate or unsuitable due to medical reasons (contraindications) or because of specific treatment limitations in relation to patient expectations.

The following is a list of some typical contraindications but is by no means an exhaustive list:

• Cancer.
• Acute Trauma: Open Wounds, Burns, Fractures, Muscle Ruptures, Tendon Ruptures, Haematoma, Contusions.
• Inflammatory Disorders: Bursitis, Periostitis, Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis.
• Circulatory Disorders: Hemophilia, Thrombosis, Varicose Veins, Hypertension.
• Skin Infections: Fungal Infections, Herpes, Impetigo, Hives, Acne, Eczema.
• Viral Conditions: Tuberculosis, Flu, Pneumonia.
• Pregnancy (first and last trimester).

Some contraindications can be local meaning that treatment is still possible, though the affected area has to either be avoided or treated with extra care. Patient's with other contraindications can still often be treated with GP approval. If massage therapy was to prove inappropriate or unsuitable then Terry would refer you to another qualified professional, such as a GP, Physiotherapist, Chiropractor or Osteopath.

Terry will provide everything needed for the treatment including a table, towels and a variety of massage lotions and oils. Patient modesty is a primary concern and will be protected throughout the treatment process and through the appropriate use of towels. Although some forms of massage can be performed through clothing, others require direct skin contact and towels are used to cover the parts of the patient that are not being worked on.